In my neighborhood, people are always out for their daily runs and walks even when the weather is bad. Around the region it’s something of a game to start a hike when the weather breaks and see if you can finish up before the rain starts. We’re outdoorsy people. Some of us are out grilling dinner when there’s snow on the ground.
But sometimes atmospheric rivers get the best of us and we look for fun things to do inside. A major bonus is if they’re free activities, because we all know the cost of living is high enough already, and keeping the kids entertained on a rainy weekend can be a challenge. The following list can help.
All of these places are free. Some are free on certain days, some are always free. Some don’t take much time and might be best combined with other activities and splurging on a local coffeeshop or restaurant meal, for a full day’s outing.
It might seem silly to call a building in Pioneer Square a park, but this historical site is indeed part of the National Park system, and is also called the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center and Museum. Showcasing the area’s ties to the Alaska Gold Rush, you’ll find exhibits on two floors, special exhibits, and you can watch a 20-minute film. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. The site is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
A short jaunt from the Klondike Museum, the Seattle Public Library’s main branch draws visitors from all over the world for its unique architecture. Inside, the 10 levels offer many fun feature and hidden surprises, including the red floor, large murals and the book spiral. You can download a self-guided tour, or just wander around and be surprised. The library is open every day, but hours vary.
24 free cultural festivals will be held at the Seattle Center in 2024. Main events are generally held in the Armory but some performances are scattered around the grounds. With music, dances, food, workshops, and activities for kids, it’s easy to make a day of it. You can also bring your own food to enjoy while taking in the performances. There’s a festival nearly every month, and most months have a few. Upcoming festivals include Tet – Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Irish Festival, Seattle’s French Fest, and the Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival.
The Frye is always free and always has interesting special exhibits. Check out the Frye Salon for some of the permanent artwork, and every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays, free tours by Gallery Guides are offered. The tours take place at 1 pm and the museum is open from 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. While the café located in the museum is not free, they serve a delectable menu of Spanish tapas, sandwiches and desserts.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside Amazon’s glass spheres, you can find out on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Home to a wide variety of plant life, you can wander around and take advantage of excellent photo opportunities. With an indoor temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a great spot to escape a winter day. There’s also a coffeeshop inside. While it's free to visit, you'll have to reserve a time slot online.
Tropical plants, blooming flowers, and warm temperatures are a great cure for a gloomy winter day, and the Conservatory is the place to wander among them. Bromeliads, ferns, orchids, palm trees and a desert house with cacti and succulents lushly fill the five different but connected greenhouses. Like many area museums, the conservatory is free to the public on the first Thursday of the month, but it’s also free on the first Saturday of the month, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Free First Thursday Museums
On the first Thursday of every month, many area museums offer free admission. The hours are usually in the evening, typically from 5 to close, and special exhibits are usually not included, but it’s still a good way to visit. The museums include:
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